Yankees

Report: Yankees Interested In Cuban Defector Rusney Castillo

Related Tags:

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The Yankees are looking to add a piece — or two — prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but they also have their sights set on an international free agent.

Cuban defector Rusney Castillo worked out in Miami for nearly all 30 clubs this past Saturday, and the Bombers were especially interested. According to the New York Post, four Yankees scouts were on hand to watch the 27-year-old.

And now, the newspaper reports, the organization will host the outfielder in Tampa for a private workout.

Some Yankees officials told the New York Post that it’s possible the right-handed hitter could sign with a club as early as the end of the week. More realistically, however, the process will drag out longer than that.

The Cuban is said to have lots of speed and possess opposite-field power.

Scouts tells me every team should be "in" on Rusney Castillo. The questions: 1. If a team gets picked for private workout 2. Can afford him.

The current crop of Yankees outfielders includes Zoilo Almonte, Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury, Brett Gardner and Ichiro Suzuki. Beltran is not yet able to play defense and has been relegated to designated-hitter duty.